Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery versus open thoracotomy for chronic pain after surgery: a prospective cohort study

Purpose The potential of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (U-VATS) to reduce chronic pain after thoracic surgery (CPTS) compared to open thoracotomy (OT) remains unexplored. This prospective study aims to assess the incidence of CPTS following U-VATS or OT and identify associated risk factors. Methods Patients undergoing thoracic surgery were recruited from March 2021 to March 2022, categorized by surgical approach (U-VATS vs. OT). Standard clinical protocols for surgery, anesthesia, and analgesia were followed. Pain symptoms were assessed using the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, with follow-ups up to 6 months. Perioperative factors influencing CPTS at 3 months were analyzed through univariate and multivariate methods. Results A total of 694 patients were analyzed. Acute pain after thoracic surgery (APTS) was significantly less severe in the U-VATS group ( p